TATYÁNA. They're right when they say that all women are insane; I married of my own accord—nobody forced me—so now I ought to live according to my vows; but I'm drawn to you, and want to escape from my home. It's all your fault, Valentin Pávlich; home has become disgusting to me because of you. If it weren't for you, I'd manage to live somehow with my husband; at least I shouldn't know this sorrow.
BABÁYEV. A fine life! You have much to regret!
TATYÁNA. But is my life agreeable now? Of course I ought not to blame you much, because I'm entirely to blame myself. You have nothing to worry about! Yours is a man's affair, and no one will condemn you; but we have to suffer for every single thing. But what's to be done! It's too late to argue who's in the right and who's to blame; but I guess this affair had to happen. But don't you deceive me; come back!
BABÁYEV. Oh, stop; what do you mean! Certainly I'll come back.
TATYÁNA. [Kissing him] Good-by! It's time for me to go! My, how I'm shivering! My legs fairly totter under me.
BABÁYEV. Calm yourself a little. Come, I'll walk along the bank with you; you'll get home in time. [They go out.
AFÓNYA. So this, brother Lev, is what you deserted us for! Just look, and enjoy it! You act like a wild beast to those who love you with their whole soul. I'm burning up like a candle, I'm wasting away because of love and pity for you, and yet I haven't once heard a kind word from you. You doted on your wife, and see what she's up to, the wretch! No, there's no truth in the world, none. [Goes out.
TABLEAU II
Same room as in ACT III